Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Aliyah Boston’s Clear Message on Former Indiana Fever Teammate After Loss on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 12:34 AM ET

Aliyah Boston and the No. 6 seed Indiana Fever, after stealing Game 1 of the WNBA playoff semifinals on the road, came up short in Game 2, falling to A’ja Wilson and the No. 2 seed Las Vegas Aces 90-68 to even the series at one game apiece. Now, the series will shift to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4.

Despite the loss, Boston had her best game of the semifinals, finishing with 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting, 13 rebounds and three assists. Wilson, the four-time WNBA MVP, led the way with 25 points, nine rebounds and five steals, but fellow forward NaLyssa Smith proved to be a major factor in the Aces’ win, adding 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, seven rebounds, an assist and a steal.

Smith began the 2025 WNBA season with the Dallas Wings before being traded in late June to the Aces for a 2027 first-round pick. She had spent the previous three seasons with the Fever, including two alongside Boston. And Smith now has a chance to eliminate her former team in her former city.

Following Tuesday's loss, Boston joined coach Stephanie White and Lexie Hull for a postgame press conference. When asked about what Smith was doing so well tonight, Boston had nothing but praise for her former teammate.

"I would definitely say probably her offensive rebounding," Boston said. "She had a few, gave her second chance points. Got to the free throw line, so for us, we just gotta tighten down on that and box out because obviously she’s super athletic. She does a great job of getting to the glass.”

During her three seasons in Indiana, Smith appeared in 103 games, starting 97, and averaged 13.0 points on 45.8% shooting, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists. With the Aces this season, her numbers dipped to 8.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.7 assists, though that marked an improvement from her stint with Dallas.

The Fever and Aces will meet in Game 3 on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: